As teams around Major League Baseball approach their 100th game of the season, several players' performances are becoming focal points for both fans and analysts. Notably, Cody Bellinger, Nolan Arenado, Alex Bregman, and J.P. Crawford have been making headlines for their recent stats and ongoing contributions to their respective teams.
Cody Bellinger's Power Display
Cody Bellinger, who has been a pivotal player for his team, has hit nine home runs in 79 games this year. Last season, he showcased his power with 26 home runs across 130 games. Though his current numbers suggest he might fall short of last season's total, his consistent ability to hit long balls remains a crucial asset.
Nolan Arenado's Struggles
Nolan Arenado finds himself in an unfamiliar position this season with a .702 On-base Plus Slugging (OPS), marking the lowest OPS of his illustrious career. Known for his offensive prowess, Arenado's underperformance has been a point of concern for his team. While the season is far from over, a turnaround will be essential for Arenado to return to his established All-Star form.
Alex Bregman's Clutch Performances
On the rise, Alex Bregman has been a key player to watch, especially for daily fantasy sports enthusiasts. With a price tag of $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, he has proven to be a valuable pick. Since July 4, Bregman has been hitting .314, with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, resulting in an impressive .885 OPS during this period.
Bregman's career statistics against left-handed pitching further bolster his appeal. With a .278 batting average and an .862 OPS, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to handle southpaws effectively. This bodes well as the Athletics are scheduled to start left-hander Hogan Harris on Monday. Harris, with a career ERA of 5.53, may find it challenging to contain a hot-hitting Bregman.
J.P. Crawford's Mixed Season
J.P. Crawford is another intriguing player, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel. His performance against Tyler Anderson particularly stands out—he is 3-for-10 with two walks against the formidable pitcher. This season, Crawford is batting .284 with an .805 OPS against left-handed pitchers, showcasing his ability to handle southpaws effectively.
However, Crawford is currently experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. Despite these struggles, he has managed to hit four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers and five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handers this season, illustrating his ability to contribute power from both sides of the plate.
Given these mixed results, it's no surprise that McClure, recognized for his insights in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering J.P. Crawford in fantasy lineups. While Crawford has seen his fair share of challenges this season, his situational strengths make him a sleeper pick that could yield significant returns for fantasy players.
Looking Ahead
As the season continues to unfold, the performances of these players will be critical to their teams' success and playoff aspirations. Cody Bellinger’s power, Nolan Arenado’s potential resurgence, Alex Bregman’s hot streak, and J.P. Crawford’s ability to defy his overall season stats with situational excellence are all narratives that promise to keep fans engaged and analysts busy.
With the 100th game mark symbolizing a critical juncture of the season, players and teams alike will be looking to solidify their standings and build momentum for the postseason. As always in Major League Baseball, the action is unpredictable and the stakes are continually rising, making for a riveting second half of the season.